Tyres for buses or lorries market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market for tyres for buses and lorries in Russia was shaped by state initiatives and external shocks. In 2018, the continuation of a state support program for domestic tyre manufacturing, including subsidies and soft loans for major plants like Kama, encouraged local production. The following year, the emergence of a new player, the Tomsk Tyre Plant (TOZA), focused on heavy trucks and buses, increased competition. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to reduced demand for commercial transportation, lowering sales. In 2020, coronavirus restrictions continued to dampen activity, while the launch of Russia's first production line for eco-friendly tyres at the NKS plant introduced a new product segment.

The period from 2021 to 2023 saw the market adapt to regulatory changes and supply chain pressures. New mandatory energy efficiency requirements for tyres under the 'Ecology-2025' program, applicable to subsidised buses, stimulated demand for compliant models in 2021. In 2022, the full implementation of mandatory digital marking for all new commercial vehicle tyres under the 'Chestny Znak' system altered the regulatory landscape. Concurrently, a deficit of rubber feedstock and the imposition of temporary import quotas constrained supplies, while sanctions sharply reduced exports to Europe. By 2023, a persistent global shortage of natural rubber drove up raw material costs and limited imports. The launch of Russia's first production line for studded tyres for heavy haulers at the Botorus plant expanded the domestic assortment, and sanctions-driven growth in the share of Chinese brands to 31% of sales boosted import volumes, contributing to market expansion.

In 2024, further regulatory evolution and state procurement policies influenced the market. The introduction of new ecological class labelling (E-label) requirements for heavy transport tyres changed certification rules. Simultaneously, strengthened state procurement for municipal bus fleets, mandating the use of domestic or 'green' tyre models, increased demand for local brands. The launch of the new KAMA-312 model for light trucks and minibuses broadened the offering from a domestic producer. Alongside rising imports, these factors supported continued market growth to 11.7 million units.

Production tyres for buses or lorries in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K unit

Russia's production of tyres for buses and lorries has grown for the second year in a row. In 2021, output reached 7 438 thousand units, marking a 9.5% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production overall declined by 4.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 6 525 thousand units, which also saw the sharpest drop of 16.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K unit

Exports tyres for buses or lorries from Russia

Exports in kind, K unit

Export volumes for tyres for buses and lorries showed significant fluctuations during this period. The lowest point was in 2019 at 1 971 thousand units, while the peak came in 2021 at 3 690 thousand units, representing a 1.9-fold difference. In 2021, exports rose by 9.2% compared to 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 44.4% drop, whereas the biggest increase was in 2020, surging by 71.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K unit

The export market for tyres in kind from 2018 to 2021 was highly diversified. Kazakhstan accounted for 19.4% of exports, Belarus for 14.2%, and Finland for 7.2%, together making up just 40.8% of total flows. The remaining 59.2% was distributed among numerous other countries, indicating a broad market base.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2021, Russia exported 398.6 million US dollars worth of tyres for buses and lorries, showing a notable 21.0% year-over-year increase. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 13.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 329.4 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 6.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

The export market in value terms from 2018 to 2021 was characterized by a wide distribution. Kazakhstan contributed 21.7% of exports, Belarus 19.9%, and Germany 4.7%, collectively accounting for 46.4% of total flows. The remaining 53.6% was shared by many other countries, reflecting a diverse market structure.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021

Imports tyres for buses or lorries to Russia

Imports in kind, K unit

Russia's imports of tyres for buses and lorries have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 4 328 thousand units, representing a solid 12.1% rise compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 13.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 4.3%. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 2 913 thousand units, which also experienced the largest decline of 23.6%. The biggest increase occurred in 2020, jumping by 32.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K unit

Between 2018 and 2021, imports in kind were spread across a wide range of partner countries. China accounted for 29.1% of imports, Thailand for 7.4%, and Poland for 7.3%, together making up just 43.9% of total flows, highlighting the diversified nature of the import market.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2021, Russia imported 576.5 million US dollars worth of tyres for buses and lorries, reflecting a strong 24.4% increase compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports rose by 24.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.7%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020, with a 5.5% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

The import structure in value terms from 2018 to 2021 was highly diversified. China held 16.0% of imports, Poland 10.5%, and Thailand 8.4%, together accounting for just 34.9% of total flows. No single country dominated the market, underscoring its varied composition.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021